The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced on May 20 that the Korea Tourism Festa, held from May 13 to 16 at Messe, the Osaka Expo Exhibition Center, was a great success, attracting approximately 45,000 visitors.
The Korea Tourism Festa featured a total of 51 participants, including local governments, airlines, and related industries from Korea, promoting the diverse appeal of Korean tourism across five themes: tourism, food, ventures, and more. The main stage at the venue hosted a variety of events that appealed to all ages, including live performances by K-pop idols, Korean cooking demonstrations by famous chefs, and a Korea-Japan e-sports exchange tournament, all of which received an enthusiastic response from visitors. In the K-Food Zone, created in collaboration with the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, popular Korean foods among Japanese visitors, such as tteokbokki, gimbap, and mandu, were showcased.
On May 13, designated as 'Korea Day,' the Korea Tourism Organization held a promotional event to promote travel to Korea.
During the Korea Collection event held on Korea Day, May 13, a long line formed at the entrance, and all 950 prepared seats sold out within an hour. At the Korea Collection, actor Sakaguchi Kentaro, who enjoys great popularity in both Korea and Japan, was appointed as an honorary ambassador for Korea tourism. Sakaguchi drew attention during a Korea travel talk show with Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon by sharing that his most memorable experience in Korea was eating ramen by the Han River. Minister Yoo recommended Gyeongju as a must-visit destination in Korea and introduced the diverse attractions of Korean tourism. In addition, various events were held, including a K-beauty makeup show targeting Japanese women, K-live performances featuring drama OSTs by singer K.Will, and a hanbok fashion show.
On the 13th, 'Korea Day,' audiences gathered to watch the Korea Collection Photo by Korea Tourism Organization
In the Gallery West inside the Expo venue, a 'Korean Drama Exhibition' attracted Hallyu fans. In particular, there were long lines for the drama highlight replay, still-cut displays, and VR experiences. The Korean Drama Exhibition featured works for which the Korea Tourism Organization holds IP rights, including ▲King the Land ▲Diva on a Deserted Island ▲See You in My 19th Life ▲She Who Changes Day and Night.
Seo Youngchung, Acting President of the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, "During the four days of the event, excluding the opening day and Golden Week, we saw the highest number of visitors, which demonstrates the high level of interest in Korea within Japan. Starting with this event, we plan to work with Sakaguchi Kentaro, who was appointed as an honorary ambassador for Korea tourism, to attract more foreign visitors to Korea."
Meanwhile, at the large media wall in the Korea Pavilion at the Osaka Expo, four promotional videos for Korea tourism are being screened. These videos will be shown until the closing of the Osaka Expo on October 13, drawing the attention of Expo visitors and further promoting tourism to Korea.
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